Close black bear encounter in Red Lodge enforces need for bear safety in town 

RED LODGE – Around 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 18, an adult black bear attempted to attack a person walking near Roosevelt Middle School in Red Lodge. Fortunately, a good Samaritan intervened and was able to prevent the attack. No one was injured. The incident serves as a reminder for residents and visitors to Red Lodge to be bear aware, even while in town.   

The incident was reported the following day so FWP officials were not able to respond immediately. FWP officials are not currently attempting to capture the bear because the specific bear cannot be identified. Red Lodge Police Department, Carbon County Sheriff’s Office, and school officials have been notified of the incident.  

The incident was predatory in nature—the black bear was approaching the person slowly, purposefully and methodically. Predatory encounters can occur when bears have been heavily food conditioned. This year, FWP has observed unprecedented levels of food-conditioned bears in the Red Lodge area due to improperly stored attractants, primarily trash.  

Follow these protocols to stay safe in bear country, including the town of Red Lodge:  

• Carry bear spray in an accessible place and know how to use it 
• Stay alert and look for bear activity 
• Travel in a group and keep members together (especially kids) 
• Make noise 
• Avoid traveling at night, dawn or dusk 

Securing attractants prevents food-conditioning in bears and greatly reduces the chances of bear conflicts. Follow these protocols for proper attractant storage to keep both people and bears safe:  

• Store garbage in a properly functioning bear-resistant trash bin 
• Keep trash bins inside a secured building 
• Put garbage outside only on collection day 
• Avoid using bird feeders from March 1 to Dec. 15 
• Clean barbeque grills and outdoor eating areas after use 
• Store pet and livestock feed inside secured building 
• Haze bears away from your property with loud noises, paintball guns or bear spray   

FWP and the City of Red Lodge are hosting a bear town hall meeting on Monday, Aug. 24, at the Red Lodge Senior & Community Center (207 Villard Ave. S) to discuss this year’s bear conflicts. The meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. 

For more information on staying safe in bear country, visit: fwp.mt.gov/conservation/wildlife-management/bear/be-bear-aware.  

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Be Bear Aware